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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Where to “Park It” in the Parks

By Ryan Reed

We all say it before we leave for
our Disney World vacation: “Let’s try and hit everything but I want to relax
too!”Next thing you know you’re four
days in still grabbing clothes out of your suitcase right after waking up to
the seven alarms you set so you don’t oversleep.Everyone is exhausted, their legs are aching
and they could even become a little bit “hangry”.If you are unfamiliar with the expression
“hangry” let me enlighten you: it’s when you become so hungry you get irritable
or angry, hence, hangry; it’s one of my girlfriend’s favorite terms.Although naps are the best remedy, who wants
to nap when you’re finally at the best place in the world?If you’re at all like me, I don’t want to
spend too much time at the resort so I try to recoup in one of the Parks.To me, although the resorts are world class,
I’m not there for them.I have a few
places I love to relax when I’m beaten up from the Florida heat, road-rage-stroller-pushers,
and non-stop walking.There are a ton of
great attractions to sit back and relax, but that’s a completely different
conversation.So, I’ll be sharing my
favorite places to unwind and replenish while still making the most of my
Disney vacation. Join me after the page break and I'll fill you in...

MAGIC KINGDOM

Once you’ve done the “Dash for
Splash” or “Race to Space” and it’s time to rest those legs, you’ll be hard
pressed to find a better spot than Liberty Square.Yes, this is a little vague but, even at its
busiest, you can find a spot away from everyone yet still be in the middle of
everything.Sitting within earshot of
the Haunted Mansion and just close enough to smell those delicious waffles
coming from Sleepy Hollow makes this a nice spot to kick back without feeling
like your wasting your vacation.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

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Hollywood Studios can be tough due
to its small size in comparison to the other Disney Parks.This can lead to overcrowding and, sometimes,
an overwhelming experience.After fighting
through the crowds to make your way down Sunset Boulevard to hit Tower of
Terror and Rock ‘N Rollercoaster, it’s time to take a load off, find some
shade, and (most importantly) grab yourself a drink.Head on over to Min and Bill’s Dockside
Diner at Echo Lake.Here you’ll find a
nice selection of craft beer; which is rare to find elsewhere on property.If you’re a beer connoisseur like myself,
you’ll appreciate the variety of beer they have to offer here.Grab a cold one, stay close by for round two
(or three), and enjoy some live entertainment - such as Mulch, Sweat, and
Shears - while sitting on a shaded park bench.

EPCOT CENTER

This one is the easiest. Epcot is just the perfect blend of
thrills and relaxation.As a child, I
scoffed at my mother when she suggested spending some time at Epcot – boy, have
things changed.Epcot has now the title
as my favorite Disney park.With so many
options around World Showcase to sit down and grab an adult beverage, you
really can’t go wrong with any spot in this massive Park.This also gives you the opportunity to enjoy
an interpretation of various cuisines found in each country.But when I want to unwind and just feel
completely relaxed, I love to head over to the Jumping Fountains outside the
Imagination Pavilion.This is probably
all about the nostalgia but, for so many of us, what isn’t in Disney
World?Spending time in this area with
the distinct music in the background immediately takes me to another place and
allows me to unwind.There’s just so
much to take-in, yet you feel secluded from everything.It’s a nice way to enjoy Epcot without
feeling like you’re wasting away your day.

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Dawa Bar offers an excellent
opportunity to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a Disney Park, yet
you’re protected from it all.Right next
to Tusker House, Dawa Bar has some nice drink choices, including a couple of
brews native to Africa.The drinks and
shade are welcoming but my favorite part about Dawa is its location.You have plenty of options for food right
nearby, a gift shop with wonderful African themed items and the live
entertainment.The Tam Tam’s of Congo
put on a great show while you’re cooling off in the shade enjoying a Harambe
Cooler, Safari Amber, or (my girlfriend’s favorite) the Sugar Cane Mojito.

TYPHOON LAGOON

I’m not going to hit every single
Park but I’m including Typhoon Lagoon because I feel it’s such a better option
than just heading back to your resort pool.You have so many opportunities to relax here.Between the best lazy river on the planet, great
drinks you won’t find anywhere else on property (Tea Breeze, Tea Breeze, Tea
Breeze) and the sandy “beaches” riddled with lounge chairs, you’re forced to
kick back.When we consider going back
to the hotel to relax by the pool I always feel like we are missing out on
something; going to Typhoon allows you to be out and about enjoying a water park
Disney style.

Everyone has their own places to
relax and their own ways to enjoy their trips to Walt Disney World.These were just a few alternatives to allow
you to unwind without wasting anytime napping on your Disney World vacation.
Feel free to add to my list in the comments below.